Qantas has stressed that its Auckland-New York service will continue to operate when the long-awaited Project Sunrise operation commences.
QF this week announced plans to increase frequency on SYD-AKL-JFK from five to daily next year between Jun and Oct and has emphasised commitment to the route. Since launching in 2023, the airline has faced questions about whether the AKL stop would be ditched when the SYD-JFK flights start, most likely in 2027. The carrier’s International ceo Cam Wallace says QF is thrilled to be increasing capacity on the NYC service. “These flights have been very popular with our customers and we’re looking forward to continuing the service alongside our future non-stop options between Sydney and New York with Project Sunrise.”
. . . Driving Growth
AKL is something of an eastern hub for QF passengers flying from cities other than SYD. Connections through AKL can be more convenient than connecting through SYD and QF is investing heavily in its lounge here. The upgraded facility with more space is on track to open by early next year. As QF and Jetstar continue to push hard into the New Zealand market, industry sources say they are keen to understand if and when any of the recently-returned JQ Asia aircraft will be deployed in New Zealand. QF’s US network has also been boosted this week by the return of its A380 to Sydney-Dallas and 787 to Brisbane-Los Angeles, offering more premium seats between Australia and the US. Wallace says this year more Americans wanted to travel to Australia and there was strong premium travel demand from Australians.
. . . Fairer Fight
There’s no word from NZ on expanding its own NYC service, but NZ will be able to take on the Red Roo with its substantially upgraded cabins and have an important point of difference, Skynest in economy. NZ will have refurbished more than half its 14-strong existing 787 fleet by the middle of next year and is due to have two new economy sleep pod-equipped 787s delivered by then.
